Wednesday, 26 September 2007

Nigella Express Project Continued…

Another lot from Nigella Express by Nigella Lawson! I’m enjoying cooking from this book, it fits in so well with daily life, and of course I’m getting the joy of trying some new Nigella recipes. Any good suggestions for different ways to say the title of this post will be used soon!

13. Macaroni CheeseThis is a quick take on the original, the sauce is cheese, evaporated milk egg and seasonings blitzed in a food processor, then mixed with newly cooked macaroni and given a short spell in the oven. It tasted good, it didn’t knock my own version off it’s perch, but as the quick fix it is, it’s still worth making.

14. Mini MeatloavesThis we loved! Mince, sausage meat, A1 sauce (I used HP), oats, and seasonings. Formed into little loaves and baked. Nigella says they are not pretty, and they aren’t but the taste more than makes up for this! They are supposed to be served cold, but I would have to say I really liked them out of the oven too! I sliced mine up for the next nights tea, we were lucky there was enough left!

15. Chicken alla CacciatoraThis was a very speedy recipe, notwithstanding having to skin and bone the chicken thighs! Even so, I did this bit the night before, so when tea time came it was a quick job. This a dertainly better first day in my opinion, the gutsy-ness of the rosemary and bacon instead of developing, were lost second day. Keith suggested that some olives and capers would be good additions, and he is right… next time! I served this with rice. This one was on TV, so it’s been published on the BBC site already, so tah dah – a recipe!

1 x 400g/14oz can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (optional)1. Heat the garlic oil in a pan and fry the pancetta, spring onions and chopped rosemary for 2-3 minutes.2. Add the chicken pieces, sprinkle in the celery salt and stir well.3. Pour in the wine and bring to a simmer, then add the tomatoes, bay leaves and sugar. Cover with a lid and leave to simmer for 20 minutes.4. Add the drained cannellini beans, if using, and simmer until the beans are warmed through and the chicken is completely cooked through.5. To serve, divide among four serving dishes.

16. Amaretto SyllabubIf anyone has made the Turkish Syllabub from Nigella Bites, you’ll see where this recipe has evolved from. We love a creamy pudding, and I have made the Turkish one often, with many a liqueur, mainly fruit ones. This one has Amaretto in it, and I couldn’t help thinking: why didn’t I try that one? It’s gorgeous, and a sprinkling of amaretti biscuits both on the bottom of the glasses and on top before serving make it trifle-esque. Our little one (who I had made a different pudding for) was very keen on this! But I wasn’t so keen to give her it seeing as it has a reasonable amount of Amaretto in it! Nigella uses soft amaretti biscuits, but I could only get the hard ones so just gave then a good bash instead of a light crumble. My picture isn’t that inspiring, but it’s a delightful dessert.

Amaretto SyllabubFrom Nigella Express by Nigella Lawson

80ml amaretto25g caster sugar1 x 15ml tablespoon lemon juice10 fl oz Double CreamSoft Amaretti BiscuitsPour the amaretto into a bowl with the sugar and lemon juice, whick at mix.Whisk in the double cream and whisk until thickened but still soft and billowy.Crumble 2 amaretti biscuits each into the base of 4 glasses.Divide the syllabub between the glasses and crumble another biscuit on top of each.

Thanks a lot! I'm obviously going to be breaking my self imposed cookbook diet. Can't see me waiting until Christmas now... Actually K-J anybody reading your posts since Operation Nigella Express began would be hardpressed to not want this book. You're doing a splendid job. Nigella and her team should be over the moon with you! Don't think I've ever had meatloaf but want some of those please.

The meatloaves and the macaroni cheese are on my list of recipes to try. I was planning the mirin salmon for tonight but now I'm getting tempted by meatloaves! You've made so much already, you'll be through the book in no time...

I've made mac and cheese twice in the last 4 days. Cravings just happen.The mac & cheese and meat loaves would be my favorites here.Fantastic that you are doing such an extensive wondering through this book!

Goodness, Kelly-Jane...this cookbook has some wonderful recipes...so far, everything you are sharing on the blog looks irresistible...Nigella should put you on the payroll, because you are making a very good sales marketing director for her book! :-)

KJ, I love reading about the recipes you have tried so far! And the adjustments :for ex. I was wondering what to find to sub the A1, HP, of course, genius! Thank you, I would love to make these some time.